iPad mini 'Wi-Fi only to keep price down'

The latest iPad mini rumour doing the rounds is that, in order to keep its price under the $250 mark in the US, it will only be available as as a Wi-Fi model. 3G/4G/cellular iPad minis will not be on offer. So says the rumour.

"Our suspicion is that that the iPad mini will be Wi-Fi only," writes Allan Yogasingam, technical research manager at UBM TechInsights.

"One can suspect that there will be no baseband [3G and 4G radio] processor in the iPad mini, as Apple will look to the cost reduction of eliminating that chip and the corresponding baseband power amplifiers."

It's widely believed that Apple is readying a tablet that sits between the iPad and iPod touch in scale, possibly featuring a 7in screen. But to challenge the largely budget-focused rival models in this space, Apple may need to compromise on some of the features of the full-size iPad.

The screen was particularly good. It is bright and visible from most angles, however heat is an issue, particularly around the Windows button on the front, and on the back where the battery housing is located.

My first impression after unboxing the Q702 is that it is a nice looking unit. Styling is somewhat minimalist but very effective. The tablet part, once detached, has a nice weight, and no buttons or switches are located in awkward or intrusive positions.

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